Din l-Art Helwa objects to hotchpotch on Britannia Flats

The development of six new storeys on part of the roof of an iconic British era building in Tower Road known as Britannia Flats will result in an architectural hotchpotch, conservationist group Din l-Art Helwa said.

This is because the development is only being proposed on part of the existing block, leaving the other half as it is today, thus creating a new blank party wall.

Din l-Art Helwa, which is also objecting to the design of the building for introducing “blue frames which jar with the existing building,” insisted that any development should not be approved on just half of the block but should “be designed together with the neighbour roof space” in a way that the “extension will speak one architectural language.”

Din l-Art Helwa insisted that any development should be designed together with the neighbour roof space

The Superintendence for Cultural heritage has also objected to the proposed façade, calling for amendments.

The Sliema council has also objected, noting that the development will result in an existing blank wall in Tower Road and that the proposed height exceeds the six-storey limit laid down in the local plan.

The owners of the remaining airspace over Britannia Flats, have also objected to the plans, arguing that the addition of six floors will constitute “an eyesore” and that while they do not exclude “the possibility of future development on their air space”, they are committed to retain “the original characteristics of the building.”